The upcoming release of Evil Dead Rise in April 2023 has piqued the interest of horror fans, as there are many details about the next installment in the Evil Dead series that are worth noting. Released in 2013, Evil Dead was a reboot/sequel to the original Sam Raimi trilogy, and it surprised audiences with its unique take on the classic horror franchise.
The 2013 film was directed by Fede Alvarez and produced by Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Robert Tapert. It starred Jane Levy as Mia, a young woman struggling with addiction who heads to a remote cabin in the woods with her friends to detox. However, they soon discover the Necronomicon Ex-Mortis, an ancient book of the dead, and unwittingly unleash a demonic force that possesses them one by one.
Evil Dead Rise will be directed by Lee Cronin, who previously helmed the acclaimed horror film The Hole in the Ground. The film will reportedly take place in a high-rise building, which is a departure from the cabin in the woods setting of the previous films. It will also feature a new cast of characters, with no connection to the previous films.
In an interview with Empire Magazine, Cronin revealed that he was a huge fan of the Evil Dead franchise and was excited to put his own spin on it. He said, “I’m a huge fan of the original trilogy. I think they’re absolutely genius. But I also think that they’re very much of their time. So, for me, it was about finding a way to make it feel fresh and new.”
Cronin also teased that Evil Dead Rise will be “relentlessly entertaining” and will have a “very different energy” from the previous films. He said, “It’s going to be a rollercoaster ride. It’s going to be intense, it’s going to be scary, it’s going to be funny in places. But most of all, it’s going to be relentlessly entertaining.”
One of the most exciting aspects of Evil Dead Rise is that it will feature a female protagonist, which is a first for the franchise. The lead character will be played by Alyssa Sutherland, who is best known for her roles in Vikings and The Mist. Sutherland has described her character as “a woman who is trying to save her family from this evil force that has taken over their building.”
In addition to Sutherland, the cast of Evil Dead Rise will also include Lily Sullivan (Picnic at Hanging Rock), Jacoby Shaddix (lead singer of Papa Roach), and Gabrielle Echols (The Chi). Bruce Campbell, who played the iconic character of Ash Williams in the original trilogy, will not be appearing in the film.
Despite Campbell’s absence, Evil Dead Rise will still pay homage to the original films. In an interview with Collider, producer Robert Tapert said, “We’re not ignoring anything that’s come before us. We’re acknowledging it and we’re building on it.” He also revealed that there will be Easter eggs and references to the previous films scattered throughout Evil Dead Rise.
Overall, Evil Dead Rise looks like it will be a thrilling addition to the beloved horror franchise. With a talented director at the helm and a fresh new setting and cast of characters, it has the potential to breathe new life into the series while still honoring its roots. Horror fans should mark their calendars for April 2023 and prepare for a wild ride.